In short
Periodontics: gum health in the Algarve
Periodontics is the field that studies and treats diseases of the tissues that hold and support the teeth.
Gum disease is silent and progressive: if gingivitis is not treated, it gets worse and becomes more complex – periodontitis. Bone loss becomes irreversible, bad breath appears, and teeth shift position, affecting both the smile and oral health.
Gum disease is directly linked to heart problems, premature birth and diabetes, among others. Treatment, which can be clinical or surgical, aims to stabilise the condition and restore oral health.
What does a periodontist treat?
A periodontist specialises in treating periodontal diseases, which affect the gums and the structures that support the teeth. The periodontist diagnoses and treats conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis and gum recession.
They also perform periodontal surgery, such as placing dental implants and gum grafts. With their experience and knowledge, the periodontist helps keep the gums healthy and prevent tooth loss.
Most common gum diseases
In Portugal, the most common gum diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque building up on the teeth and along the gum line. It shows as red, swollen, tender gums that may bleed when brushing or flossing.
If gingivitis is not treated properly, it can progress to a more advanced form called periodontitis.
At this stage, the inflammation spreads beyond the gums and affects the structures that support the teeth, such as the alveolar bone and the periodontal ligament. Periodontitis can lead to bone loss, gum recession and, eventually, loose teeth.
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Causes of periodontal disease
Several risk factors contribute to gum disease, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition and some medicines. Stress and an unbalanced diet can also play an important role.
That is why good daily oral hygiene is essential, including proper brushing, regular flossing and mouthwash.
FAQ
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Periodontics
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is the inflammation and destruction of the tissues that protect (gums) and support (bone, cementum and periodontal ligament) the teeth.
What is the main cause of periodontal disease?
The main cause is poor oral hygiene combined with genetic susceptibility, smoking and other factors. Without proper cleaning, bacteria, food debris and dead cells form a bacterial biofilm – commonly known as plaque.
What are the risks of periodontitis?
Periodontitis carries many risks. Without proper care it can destroy the structures that hold the tooth in the mouth (bone, ligament and cementum) and, at more advanced stages, cause tooth loss, bad breath, loose or shifting teeth, heart complications and premature birth, among other effects on general health.
What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
Bleeding gums, bad breath, swollen gums, loose or spontaneously moving teeth and even sensitivity. Most of the time it is a silent, painless condition.
Does good hygiene remove the risk of the disease?
Even people with good oral hygiene are not free from the risk of some gum diseases. Genetic factors can make biofilm more likely to form, and smoking and stress increase the risk.
Is there an effective treatment?
Treating periodontal disease does not restore the bone support that has been lost, but it stops the disease from progressing. In other words, periodontitis cannot be cured, but it is a chronic disease that can be controlled. So yes, there is an effective treatment, and the dentist who follows the patient is the best person to guide them through it.
How is periodontitis treated?
Treatment removes the plaque stuck to the teeth through scaling and root planing. When the instruments cannot reach the whole affected root area, surgery is recommended to make access easier.
Related treatments
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Why Atelier do Sorriso
Atelier do Sorriso:
Periodontics Specialists in the Algarve
Periodontics is the area of dentistry responsible for preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. At Atelier do Sorriso we offer specialised, personalised follow-up to preserve oral health and prevent tooth loss. A healthy smile starts with healthy gums.
Advanced Training
Our team includes dentists with specific training in periodontics and extensive experience treating gum disease of varying complexity.
Accurate Diagnosis
We use digital imaging, periodontal probing and a complete clinical assessment to identify the condition of the gums and plan the best treatment.
Specialised Treatment
We treat gingivitis, periodontitis and other periodontal conditions with modern clinical approaches focused on preserving the teeth and gum health.
Better Aesthetics and Confidence
Beyond health, periodontics also improves the look of the smile. We treat gum recession and reshape the gum line for a more harmonious appearance.
Non-Surgical and Surgical Therapies
We offer everything from deep cleaning and root planing to regenerative periodontal surgery, always aiming to restore the health and function of the tooth structure.
Ongoing Maintenance
After treatment, we carry out regular maintenance to keep the results stable and prevent relapse. Long-term success depends on monitoring and prevention.
Photos of our clinic in Almancil, Algarve, where we treat gum disease:
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